Which virus is described as more contagious than HIV in the EMS context?

• A. Hepatitis B
• B. Hepatitis A
• C. Hepatitis C
• D. HIV

Answer: (A)

Understanding relative transmission risk of bloodborne viruses in EMS exposures is essential for protection and vaccination decisions. Hepatitis B is far more contagious through percutaneous exposure than HIV, so it’s described as the more contagious virus in the EMS context. The risk from a needle-stick with an HBV-positive source can be substantial, whereas HIV transmission risk is about 0.3% per exposure. Hepatitis C also transmits via blood, with a higher risk than HIV but not as high as Hepatitis B. Hepatitis A is typically spread through the fecal-oral route and is not a major bloodborne transmission concern in EMS settings. So Hepatitis B best fits the description.